[quote]I am writing today to urge you to co-sponsor the “Haiti Compassion Act,” H.R. 2592, introduced by Alcee Hastings (D-FL). The legislation would allow Haitians in the United States who are not refugees, but are “nonetheless fleeing or reluctant to return to politically dangerous situations” to be granted Temporary Protected Status and remain in the United States for 18 months.

The State Department has said that “there are no safe areas in Haiti.” The head of UN peacekeeping operations said in June that conditions in parts of Haiti are worse than in Darfur. Political violence and oppression that began in earne
st with former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's departure from Haiti in February 2004 have only increased. Haiti also remains devastated by the aftermath of two major storms in 2004.

In October 2004, the Haitian government requested Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the United States. Even a year later, the situation in Haiti has not improved and the country is temporarily unable to handle the return of nationals. Granting TPS would allow Haitians already in the United States to live in peace and security while Haiti recovers. As you know, in 1998 the U.S. government set a precedent when it granted TPS to nationals from four Central American countries affected by Hurricane Mitch.

As citizens of the United States, we have recently witnessed the impact of a natural disaster first-hand. We saw how eager people are to rebuild their lives away from turmoil and devastation, and communities responded generously. We should extend that same compassion to our neighbors in Haiti, just 600 mil
es from our own shores. Please join Rep. Hastings as a sponsor of H.R. 2592.